Business Spotlight: Clark's Antiques

Vendors coming to former auto showroom

Rahfen Clark prices vintage toys at Clark’s Antiques and Flea Market. Rahfen and her father, Keith, are managing the new business in Broadway. (Photo by Florence Barrett)

BROADWAY — Fans of antiques and swap meets are making their way to Broadway. Clark’s Antiques and Flea Market held a soft opening Saturday in the former Ford Motors showroom, at 399 E. Lee St.

To date, the two-story building has 16 businesses lined up with a variety of merchandise from furniture and glassware, to collectibles, vintage clothing, used and new books and antique toys.

“The key is to have a collection of items,” said owner Keith Clark, noting merchandise will be “priced to sell.”

Many of the vendors are known in the area, Clark said, with booths at other locations. He is also negotiating with a business owner interested in renting a large space on the second floor to sell close-out merchandise from chain stores such as jewelry, perfume, household items and tools.

“It looks promising,” he said.

Clark, whose business Taxes Plus was recently profiled in the North Fork Journal, and his daughter, Rahfen, had been busy for weeks preparing for Saturday’s opening.

“I’ve been here since day one. I’ve cleaned, I’ve painted, just everything,” said Rahfen.

A junior at Broadway High School, Rahfen is the shop’s assistant manager and will also take care of online advertising.

“I think opening a business is really interesting. It’s exciting,” she said. “I’ll go to school and come here after school and work on weekends.”

Indoor booths are available in two sizes: $75 for 5 by 10 foot and $150 for 10 by 10 foot.

“Vendors don’t have to be here. We man the building and will sell your items. All you have to do is restock and clean your booth,” Keith Clark said. “We’re also going to have a consignment area if people don’t want a whole booth.”

And on Saturdays, swap meets will be outside in the large parking lot. For $10, people can set up “with any size booth that they want,” Clark said. “They can sell anything. Sellers supply the tables and just show up.”

The Clarks are planning a grand opening at a later date. Meanwhile, area residents are making inquiries about buying, selling and hunting for that must-have treasure.

“People are running by every day and chomping at the bit,” Keith Clark said.

Clark’s Antiques and Flea Market is open Thursday-Monday, 9 a.m.-6 p.m. with an outside swap meet on Saturday. For more information, call 901-4345.